Public farewell for popular bodyboarder

SCORES of shattered bodyboarders are set to honour a mate taken far too early in an emotional farewell for one of their own.

Lindsay Connolly died during a freak accident while bodyboarding at Dolphin Point last Monday.

It's understood he hit his head on rocks and drowned while entering the surf with two other mates.

Seven people attempted to save the talented musician's life, but the 30-year-old tragically died.

Sunshine Coast Bodyboard Club president and Inverted bodyboarding owner Ben Wells said a memorial paddle out had been organised for this Saturday at Yaroomba Beach at 9am for those wanting to pay tribute.

"It was... so unexpected," Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells said Mr Connolly had been a prominent and well-loved member of the bodyboarding community.

Lindsay Connolly.Contributed

"We're such a tight-knight community as-is," Mr Wells said.

"It's not really a mainstream sport. We all know each other.

"It was a bit rough surfing this weekend (without Mr Connolly)."

He said Mr Connolly's death had stunned many because he was such an experienced, competent bodyboarder.

"It's very, very unfortunate," Mr Wells said.

Mr Connolly had been his mother, Karlene's primary carer for five years before she died in hospital last year.

Long-time friend Jason Trims said the freak accident had hit hard.

"It's shocked a lot of the bodyboarders and surfers, knowing his ability to ride waves that were a lot bigger and heavier than what was at Noosa that day," Mr Trims said.

He said messages of support had been passed from all along the east coast.

"It wasn't his first rodeo," he said.

Mr Trims was glad the paddle out had been organised and he said everyone was "behind the family" after the tragedy.